Theater

This jukebox musical follows the story of Elvis Presley in the early years of his career as he and Sam Phillips create the music that will forever change their lives. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut, Chicago, 800-775-2000

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, this production tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker with dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago, 800-775-2000

Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this story is adapted for the stage by Tony-winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, 800-775-2000

Pictured: (Standing) ensemble member Ora Jones (Robyn) and (sitting) ensemble member Sandra Marquez (Sharon) in Steppenwolf’s Chicago premiere production of “The Roommate” by Jen Silverman, directed by Phylicia Rashad in the Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Performances run through Aug. 5, 2018. Tickets are available at 312-335-1650 and steppenwolf.org. (Photo by Michael Brosilow.)

A comical roommate mismatch leads to a surprising and touching friendship in this new comedy about how early-life choices lead to midlife challenges — and unexpected rewards. Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 312-335- 1650

After celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Kingdom Hearts video game series in major cities, this concert series will be back on the road for a second wave of world-wide performances. Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, 312-341-2300

From classic rock to orchestral works, this music series offers outdoor entertainment overlooking beautiful Geneva Lake. Bring your own picnic or purchase food at the College Inn. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

This summer-long festival features an array of musical works, from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” to Broadway favorites and classic film scores. Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-742-7647

Join Bridgeport Art Center every third Friday of the month, when painters, sculptors, and photographers open up their studios with interactive demonstrations and special events. 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago, 773-843-9000

Museums

Taking the title of the classic Bruce Brown surf movie from 1966, Endless Summer offers a snapshot of the iconic minimalism that emerged in Los Angeles in the 1960s. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago

Immerse yourself in the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s through the work of Raeburn Flerlage, a photographer who captured the lifestyle and practices of the city’s rich music communities. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, 312-642-4600

This premier outdoor food festival showcases the diversity of Chicago’s dining community, along with live music and activities for the entire family. Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-616-0600

More than 75 of the city’s most diverse artists who work in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography, are highlighted in this festival. 3704 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, 847-926-4300

A free, two-day event featuring art from an abundance of countries, family craft activities, international cuisine, and live music and dance performances. Dawes Park, 1700 Sheridan Road, Evanston, 847-448-4311

Fifty students from 27 area high schools will read from their creative writing projects and exhibit their artwork in this grand finale at Ragdale. Ragdale, 1230 N. Green Bay Road, Lake Forest, 847-234-1063

The Adler Planetarium is showcasing six of the best full dome planetarium films from around the world this summer, with topics ranging from the birth of the universe to interstellar flight. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-922-7827

Make It Better is a proud media sponsor of this event:

You’re going to want to bust out your summer finery for this one, Oak Brook Polo Club’s day of conservation, horses, and horsepower in partnership with the Ferrari Club of America and Continental AutoSports Ferrari. Guests will enjoy a parade of, yes, Ferraris, before the finals of the Butler Challenge Cup tournament as the Friends of Conservation hosts its annual fundraising event. Oak Brook Polo Club, 2606 York Road, Oak Brook

Nicole Schnitzler is a freelance writer who covers​ ​food, drink, ​travel, and ​lifestyle. When she is not planning her next adventure​​, she can be found​ ​commuting between bakeries, yoga classes,​ live music shows, and libraries ​in her hometown of ​​Chicago. She is most comfortable with a pen in one hand and a fork in the other. Nicole is also the founder of Doors Open Dishes, an initiative committed to keeping the doors open to the group homes and workshops of individuals with special needs by partnering with chefs and restaurants across the city. Follow her on Twitter (@Write_To_Eat) or on Instagram (@WriteToEat).